Lazarus_2 wrote:How can Brian Wilson be considered for a high honour like that when he accomplished no work of significance since the 60's, save for Smile?
Bob Dylan didn't go into hybernation, this is why he is #1, to put Brian Wilson at #2 would be a slap in the face to all the songwriters that kept producing good-great material from the 60's-present.
That's why my vote goes to Paul Simon for #2 American songwriter. Let's face it, a lot of artists have a high moment when they produce their greatest work, then either die or never achieve great success again. It takes a lot more to be consistant and to continue to making influential music throughout your career. Whether you like Graceland or not, it's still a highly influential album. Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes recently said it was one of his favorite albums, so his influence is still alive and well today. And that influence came from a record 25 years into Paul Simon's career. Not many other artists can claim that. Sure, a few can, but not many.